Research Associate

Full time, fixed term, 1-year contact commencing April 2025
- $101,369 - $108,683 (ALA 6-8) per annum, plus 17% superannuation

**Job Reference**:812685**

**Our commitment to a diverse and inclusive workplace**:
At Curtin University, we value the diversity of the community and are passionate about fostering an inclusive culture in which all people feel respected, valued, welcome and safe.

The Faculty of Science and Engineering is committed to equity and opportunity in all aspects of employment including recruitment, career development, promotion and workplace support.

To demonstrate this commitment, the faculty has developed a Diversity Awareness Program with a key focus on the areas of gender equity, diverse sex, sexuality and gender, ethnicity, disability and accessibility, and health and wellness. We aim to promote and improve awareness and participation of diversity and inclusion initiatives through the appointment of diversity representatives and male champions of change across the faculty.

**Your new role**
An exciting opportunity exists for an Analytical Chemist/ Organic and Isotope Geochemist and Geomicrobiologist/ Early life to play a significant role in the WA-Organic and Isotope Geochemistry Centre (WA-OIGC) and School of Earth and Planetary Sciences (EPS) at Curtin University.

We are seeking a motivated independent individual (Early Career Researcher) to carry out world class research in the areas of biomarkers/biomolecules and geomicrobiology/early life in exceptional soft tissue fossil preservation from a global suite of samples from the geological record.

You will research under the direction of ARC Laureate Fellow Prof. Kliti Grice, organic geochemical, paleontological and energy related researchers and students within WA-OIGC and EPS and across schools.

The ideal applicant will be an expert in Earth Sciences and have significant experience in analytical chemistry and biomarker analysis (e.g. GC-MS, GC-MRM, compound specific isotope analyses, GCXGC TOFMS, TOF-SIMS, imaging techniques) and a good understanding of microbial processes and early life. In addition, you will have an excellent record of publication in the field of organic geochemistry and microbiology/ early life.

**School of Earth and Planetary Sciences**
Consolidating engineering, economics, and science capabilities to form the School of Earth and Planetary Sciences: The School provides world-class training for geoscientific and geospatial careers through our industry-recognised teaching programs, and undertakes fundamental and applied research into the past, present and future of our planet and solar system.

WA-OIGC is a highly interdisciplinary program (spanning Chemistry, Organic Geochemistry, Biology, Geology, Agriculture, Environment, Medicine, Paleontology, Palynology, Microbiology disciplines). WA-OIGC is part of The Institute for Geoscience Research - an internationally recognised Centre contributing to world-class research.

**About Curtin**
We are an energetic, dedicated team of academics and professionals working together to provide global solutions through quality graduates and innovative research. Curtin is a welcoming space where integrity, respect for one another, courage, excellence, and impact are essential to everyday life. Situated on Whadjuk Nyungar Country, our vibrant Bentley campus includes an art gallery, gym, childcare and medical centre, bus station, accessible parking and endless food options including a supermarket.

Aside from the vibrant campus life, we offer more than just a job. We encourage a progressive and diverse workplace and are committed to looking after our employees by promoting health and wellbeing, work flexibility, and personal development opportunities.
- **Global Excellence**: Curtin University proudly stands among the top one percent of global universities according to the ARWU 2024 rankings.
- **Rewards Beyond Salary**: Enjoy the perks of a generous superannuation contribution (17%) with cash out options*, customisable salary packaging benefits through Paywise and Hotel, as well as Health Insurance discounts.
- **Adaptable Work Environment**: Embrace flexibility with a role based at our Bentley campus, with the option to work remotely from home or one of our other campus locations such as Midland or St George’s terrace for a change of scenery.
- **Time Well-Spent**: Experience the added value of 17.5% Leave Loading, with the option to be paid out or taken as additional leave. Benefit from Parental Leave (26 weeks for the primary caregiver), Annual Leave (20 days), Personal Leave (14 days), Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander Leave (5 days) *, Study Leave, Community Service Leave, and access to Long Service Leave after 10 years of continuous service (65 days/13-week entitlement for full-time staff).
- **Plus** 18% more observed days off -enjoy 12 Public Holidays each year (including Easter Tuesday), and 2 extra University Days over the Christmas/New Year Period (see EBA 51.1